Duke Energy on Oct. 22 awarded $253,178 to support 16 projects to aid wetlands, conservation, outdoor nature classrooms, invasive plant removals, water quality, new tree plantings and pollinator gardens across Greater Cincinnati.
The grants, which the company announced during a ceremony at the Sharon Centre, are issued from the Duke Energy Foundation and provide funding for programs in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Each year, the Foundation chooses grant recipients that focus on strong conservation efforts, water quality, and environmental programs.
“Duke Energy continues to be an industry leader in moving toward a cleaner energy future to power our customers’ lives,” Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, said. “We’re committed to the environment and will do our part to recognize programs that advance this mission.”
In 2018, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, and their employees and retirees, donated more than $4 million to local nonprofits. In addition, employees volunteered more than 13,000 hours of community service.
The following are summaries of the projects awarded grant monies in Clermont County. For the full list of all 16 projects in the area, go to http://bit.ly/2W6JcKm.
Cardinal Land Conservancy
$25,000 for Mouth of the Little Miami River Nature Preserve
Grant will be used to acquire 122 acres at the Mouth of the Little Miami River in East End, inside the city of Cincinnati. This will be the newest Nature Preserve in the city. Duke Energy funds will be utilized for matching project costs as required by the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund, as well as the placement of a livestreaming video camera on the eagle’s nest so the public can enjoy watching them raise their young.
Cincinnati Nature Center
$15,000 for Boardwalk and Wetlands Restoration Project
Funds will be used for the construction of a boardwalk to protect the natural wetlands around Lotus Pond and the delicate wildlife in the vernal pool. The nature center will also work on educational opportunities to teach visitors about the importance of our native ecosystems; school groups will use the boardwalk as an outdoor classroom.
Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality
$23,450 for studying harmful algal blooms and nitrate sensing
William H. Harsha Lake (East Fork Lake) is the U.S. Army Corp reservoir that provides flood control, recreation and drinking water for local communities. Similar to other inland lakes across the nation, Harsha Lake is plagued with seasonal harmful algal blooms, which require the county to expend additional resources to ensure clean drinking water and safe recreation for residents and visitors. The grant funding will make it possible for the county to better monitor surface water runoff from the East Fork watershed and to advise future water management practices.
About Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to about 860,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to approximately 538,000 customers.